Episode Details

St. Anselm, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

• Born: 1033, Aosta, Italy
• Died: April 21, 1109, Canterbury, United Kingdom
• Full name: Anselmo d’Aosta
• Books: Proslogion, More

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their look into the life and teachings of St. Anselm. They explore his background, his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, and his significant contributions to theology.

St. Anselm’s understanding of faith seeking understanding and his integration of faith and reason are highlighted, particularly through his ontological argument for the existence of God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How did St. Anselm’s diverse titles and travels reflect his significance and influence within the Church during the Middle Ages?
2. In what ways did spirituality and humility shape St. Anselm’s approach to theology and leadership within the Church?
3. How did the challenges faced by St. Anselm in his early life, particularly in relation to familial expectations and his pursuit of religious vocation, shape his spiritual journey?
4. Reflect on the leadership qualities exhibited by St. Anselm during his time as an Abbott and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, and how he navigated the complexities of church-state relations in the feudal context of his era.
5. How did the investiture controversy shape the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authorities during St. Anselm’s time, and what insights does his example offer for addressing similar challenges today?
6. Reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Anselm’s writings and teachings within the Catholic Church, and how his life and work continue to inspire believers to deepen their understanding of faith, reason, and spirituality.

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009

“Anselm immediately became involved in a strenuous struggle for the Church’s freedom, valiantly supporting the independence of the spiritual power from the temporal. Anselm defe